Mathematics

1. To offer students majoring in mathematics a well-rounded, career-oriented program in mathematics.

The department requires its majors to complete a common core of eight mathematics courses (including a senior research project), to complete two courses in each of three cognate fields (foreign language, computer science and natural science) and to concentrate further in one of four areas.

2. To offer other students careful instruction in using the mathematical tools required by their disciplines.

Distinctive Features

Le Moyne's mathematics major is distinctive in that it provides concentrations in four subject areas:

Pure mathematics

Statistics

Actuarial science

Education

Job outlook

The Occupational Outlook Handbook tracks three job occupations related to Le Moyne’s mathematics program. Mathematicians and Statisticians usually require a graduate degree, and an average employment growth is expected for these occupations. Actuaries require a strong background in mathematics and are generally employed in the insurance and financial industries. Employment opportunities “should remain good for those who qualify, because the stringent qualifying examination system restricts the number of candidates”. Education job openings due to new positions are expected to show average growth. However, “retirements will create large numbers of job openings as a greater-than-average number of workers are over the age of 45”.

Why take mathematics at a liberal arts college?

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) do an annual survey of employers. Employers responding to this survey rate the importance of candidate qualities. The table below shows the top six qualities employers’ identified in 2003 and 2007:

While the list of the top six qualities has changed slightly over the years, the same qualities continue to be most important from an employer’s perspective.

Given these survey results, one can conclude that a well-rounded liberal arts education should improve your job prospects upon graduation. At Le Moyne, each student is required to take the core curriculum. These core courses emphasize many of the qualities listed above. In comparison, a technical school will have significantly fewer liberal arts requirements, giving you fewer opportunities to improve on these qualities.